Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I wrote about the power of healing in the previous tip#677 and laughter is a highly recommended method! That’s why I can always count on getting my laugh fix from films by Adam Sandler whenever I need a boost of energy. His type of humour isn’t for everyone so I wouldn’t try to sell him to anyone! I just know that I resonate with his jokes and love seeing the cameos of big stars that show up in his movies like Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Nicole Kidman, James Caan, Jack Nicholson and many others!

Grown-Ups 2 (2013)

The comedy, Grown-Ups 2, is the sequel to Grown-Ups where Lenny (Adam Sandler) relocates his family back to his hometown to be with his friends and their kids. Returning are Sandler’s real-life friends Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and the regular roster of other friends that appear in his Happy Madison Production films. See: movie trailer

The rest of the plot doesn’t matter if you are a fan of Sandler’s films. You know what you’ll be getting: rude and crude jokes, great music from the 80’s, loads of pop culture references over the years, cameos from big movie stars AND some heart-warming lessons about friends and family. Most importantly you will have a good laugh if this type of comedy is for you!

What comedy films make you laugh? What comedians always make you laugh when you see their movies? Let me know and your recommendations may really benefit someone who needs the healing power of laughter!

Sunday, July 28, 2013

I am loving my new condo building’s indoor heated pool! I’ve been swimming three times a week since I moved in two months ago and noticed that my whole body is looking and feeling stronger. This feels extra good because I had lost weight from the stress I wrote about this past year (see Tip#655) and now been rebuilding my body strength. Most importantly I feel I am healing from prolonged anxiety that had really pushed my limits.

And once again a movie synchronistically came along that was entertaining as well as thought-provoking about healing. I went to see The Wolverine on opening day and Hugh Jackman looked really buff and ripped! His physical shape was inspiring as was how he deals with losing his superpowers. Wolverine’s power is rapid regenerative healing which, for the first time in the film series, is taken away from him.

The Wolverine (2013)

The movie, The Wolverine, is the sixth installment in the X-Men film series following the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. Logan a.k.a. Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is in emotional pain after killing the woman he loved (Famke Janssen) when he is summoned to Japan by a dying soldier he saved during the bombing of Nagasaki. He is then drawn into a feud between a wealthy family and Yakuza assassins and ninjas. He also faces a super villain named Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova) with the help of a deadly assassin named Yukio (Rila Fukushima). See: movie trailer

Soon Wolverine’s rapid healing powers are taken away and he must deal with bullets and cuts having the potential to end his immortal life. For the first time he must learn to rely on others for help. These lessons permeate a film filled with exciting battles and a unique flavor for a superhero film as it will immerse you into the Japanese culture. And you get to see how Logan heals his past emotional pain as well as the physical pains he endures. For me Wolverine, once again, is a great cinematic role model for staying strong in difficult times and persevering physically, mentally and emotionally!

Are you healing from something that happened to you recently or years ago? Do you have favourite movies that help you stay positive? Please let me know. Your recommendations may help others in their own healing process.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

At a recent social event I met a retired CEO who said he really enjoyed the film The Internship and I thought, “Really? That movie about two middle aged guys trying to get an internship at Google? The film that was also trashed by film critics and also criticized for being one giant Google ad? The movie that was also considered a box-office bomb?”

What intrigued me was if a retired CEO in his 60’s found value in this kind of movie then I would trust him and just see it for myself. And I’m glad I did because I was really entertained, inspired, educated and found many motivational quotes in it!

“I don’t know even know what happens to a dream deferred. Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun or does it explode? I don’t want to find out.”

“I’ve seen the future and it’s beautiful for us!”

“I want to do something that matters. I want to have a life that I’m excited about and that’s great!”

The Internship (2013)

The comedy, The Internship, is about Billy McMahon (Vince Vaughn) and Nick Campbell (Owen Wilson) applying for an internship at the Google company after being laid off from their salesman jobs. Being twice the age of their fellow interns does appear strange at first and so hilarious scenes do unfold. Despite the generation gap between these two and the other interns in their early 20’s they each learn to work together as a team and embrace the values each generation has to offer. See: movie trailer

Other than the theme of teamwork, many other life and work lessons come up like balancing time with online technology and with living life. There are also sales and marketing tips for business owners on the benefits of social media to build their businesses. In the end I was inspired by the themes of perseverance, communicating with one another, life/work balance and of following a dream no matter what age you are!

What movies have you enjoyed that inspired you with life and work lessons? Please let me know!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

The highest I was paid for an illustration was $15,000.00. It was during a time when I had a successful illustration and communications company and that job was the vision I had for my life at the time. Today I still have friends and fans insisting that I go back to this profession. And yet I just don't see it or feel it. It is not the vision I have for myself right now which involves this movie blog and my book Movies for Motivation.

I was recently recommended a movie to see and discovered several powerful quotes from the film that told me what I needed to hear to move forward.

“The toughest challenge you’ll face isn’t the golf course or even your competitors score it’s that casual comment offered by someone, anyone about how you should be doing it. If you don’t have conviction about what your foundation is, that off handed comment will take you out of your game and erode your confidence! You got that?”

The drama sports film, Seven Days in Utopia, is about a young golfer named Luke Chisholm (Lucas Black) who experiences a disastrous debut on the pro circuit. He is then coached into transforming his attitude and life by an eccentric rancher Johnny Crawford (Robert Duvall). This film is so much more than golf and is filled with many inspirational, spiritual and motivational tips to apply to your own life and career challenges. See: movie trailer

The messages in this film reminded me of all the lessons I’ve learned over the years of what I did unconsciously in my previous business as an illustrator. I just need to continue applying these lessons consciously each and every day. And when I see movie heroes who rise up from disastrous situations and achieve their dreams and goals I am empowered to do the same! It doesn’t matter if it’s about sports, business or every day life, these cinematic role models all have the power to inspire anyone.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I am coming down from my high of a fantastic week of celebrating my birthday with great friends and family. And I realize that midlife+ birthdays can be a downer if I let it so I am focusing on the high I felt standing at the height of 365 metres on the CN Tower EdgeWalk (see tip#673)! I felt like a kid on Christmas day! Life was thrilling in that moment and I felt the joy of sharing it with close friends that have been with me for 18 years. We’ve been together through thick and thin, rain or shine and the ups and downs of life.

Before Midnight (2013)

The romantic drama, Before Midnight, is the third chapter following Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004). It is 18 years since Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) first met and they are assessing midlife together while on a vacation in Greece. Once again, as in the previous two films, the dialogue and performances are outstanding, realistic and very magnetic to watch. See: movie trailer

There is a dinner scene that is very engaging and entertaining while at the same time filled with insights about relationships between men and women. And, as with the previous films, there are long one shot takes of the conversations. It was amazing to learn from the filmmakers that there is no improvisation in the movie and that all the dialogue was written and rehearsed for perfect deliveries.

Despite more expressions of anger and unhappiness in this film there is still a strong sense of play and optimism. Jesse and Celine are riding the ups and downs of life. And there is the added element that the filmmakers actually depict the passage of time with the characters reconnecting 9 years since the last movie which was exactly the same 9 years in real life!

Are there any films that reflect the ups and downs of your life? Please let me know. Your recommendations may inspire others!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

I have had a fantastic and memorable birthday week. And yet at first only one friend was available for a birthday dinner on the actually date but another friend told me “be open to big surprises!” I remained open and six other friends showed up at the last minute to a great restaurant called Fare Game Continental Cuisine! I was so happy! The wild game menu included Ostrich, Wild Boar, Venison, Duck, Lamb and Rabbit! Absolutely delicious! See photos: Facebook

And then that same friend surprised me by taking me to the opening day screening of Pacific Rim. It was a thrill and also got to see my friend’s joy at his first IMAX 3D experience! The next day another friend made me wear a blindfold and earplugs and took me to his surprise gift for me. It was doing the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower!

It was a bright, sunny day standing high over Toronto with good friends. I actually felt no fear standing, with no handrails, at a height of 365 metres. I only felt my heart filled with excitement and an overflowing joy to be alive! Surprises can be so good!

Pacific Rim (2013)

The science fiction action film, Pacific Rim, is set in the future where humanity unites to build gigantic robots called Jaegers to battle colossal monsters invading Earth. This highly entertaining movie is filled with awe-inspiring scenes of these towering mechanical creations and alien creatures as well as great human characters you can cheer for. See: movie trailer

This film really represents big surprises as the scale of these monsters and robots are absolutely enormous. And at the same time there are small, unexpected moments that made me smile. Plus there are many motivational messages about teamwork and solving challenges together. Here’s a quote…

“Today at the edge of our hope, at the end of our time. We have chosen not only to believe in ourselves, we have chosen to believe in each other! Today there’s not a man nor woman in here that shall stand alone. Today we face the monsters that are at our door, today we are cancelling the apocalypse!”

Have you ever had a big surprise that made you so happy? Do you have any movies that were a big surprise for you? A good surprise? Please let me know!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Today is my birthday and it comes just days after the most incredible rainstorm and city flooding I have ever experienced in Toronto. People’s cars were stuck underwater and passengers were rescued from Go Trains with life rafts. Areas of the TTC subway system were flooded keeping thousands of people, such as myself, stuck in trying to get home. See amazing photos: National Post

Today I'd rather celebrate the mindset of persevering and moving forward because that’s how I got home. Every route I took got blocked while on streetcars or subways so I walked when needed in the pouring rain. I just kept moving forward and hours later I got home and was grateful despite the power being off in the entire neighborhood. This was a mirror for what I’ve learned in life and that is to keep moving forward rather then giving up when things looked hopeless.

World War Z (2013)

The apocalyptic horror movie, World War Z is about Gerry Lane (Brad Pitt), a former United Nations investigator, who must travel the world to find a solution to stop a horrifying zombie pandemic. The story shows how resilient Gerry is as he thinks quickly to constantly protect his family and others around from overwhelming numbers of fast moving zombies. See: movie trailer

There is a line in the film that Gerry says that is the key to surviving, “Movement is life.” He was basically saying that if you want to live you better keep moving and not give up. It’s an inspirational message and it's a mindset I do my best to remember every time I face adversities. Everything eventually ends up being okay.

What movie heroes inspire you with their perseverance and positive mindsets? I would love to hear what films you resonate with!

Sunday, July 07, 2013

I have several close friends (one adopted) who have amazing stories of how they searched for and reconnected with their biological parents. The details of their journeys were so magical and even miraculous. One friend was actually inspired by other people’s stories of finding their real parents. And now their stories, in turn, inspire others (including me!) that seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.

The documentary, Stories We Tell, unravels the myths and truth of the parents of director and actress Sarah Polley, including a surprising revelation within the family. What is fascinating is that each family member and everyone who was involved gets a chance to tell their side of the story. Polley’s mother’s story is told via photos, home movie footage and re-enacted scenes. See: movie trailer

I highly recommend you just see this intriguing film without knowing anymore. I knew very little about this film going in other then the rave reviews it received. The movie unexpectedly swept me away by the storytelling of everyone involved AND how unique the structure of the narrative that unraveling. In the end I was deeply inspired by Polley’s courage and amazing vision of telling such a personal story.

Have you been inspired by a story recently? Have you seen a documentary with a story that motivated you somehow? Let me know because if you share your story in the comments section below it could inspire someone reading it!

Wednesday, July 03, 2013

I’ve been told many times that having a cold is really about the body clearing itself of stress and toxins. So I kept that in mind as I’ve been sick in bed blowing my nose and not feeling so good. I decided to see my time in bed as an adventure and listened to personal development CDs and soothing music. I saw this as a chance to re-energize my body and mind. I loved the idea that I was clearing myself to be "an empty cup" so I could be open to whatever new adventures life and work have in store for me.

The martial arts action adventure film, The Forbidden Kingdom, is about a kung fu obsessed American teen named Jason (Michael Angarano) who is magically transported on a mission to ancient China. There he joins up with a trio of martial arts warriors to help free the imprisoned Monkey King (Jet Li). This film is a fantastic mix of stunning action sequences, dynamic characters and motivational messages from the principles of Buddhism. See: movie trailer
See movie clips: Movieclips.com

Quotes from the Film:

“How can you fill your cup if already full?”

“Don’t think. Just do.”

“It is said that music is a bridge between earth and heaven.”

“If one does not attach himself to people and desires never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he truly live?”

For fans of Jackie Chan and Jet Li, this is the first film that brings these Asian screen legends together. And I loved the idea that Jason had these two as his kung fu teachers. But before he could benefit from their wisdom he had to “empty his cup” of what he “thought” he knew about kung fu. And when he does you get to see Jason transform into a courageous and powerful warrior.

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About Me

Emmanuel Lopez aka Motivatorman is a Motivational Speaker and an award-winning Blogger & Illustrator working with organizations to inspire RESILIENCE & INDESTRUCTIBLE OPTIMISM for DEPRESSION, MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS through the power of movies. He has been featured in The NEW YORK TIMES, The WASHINGTON POST and The GLOBE & MAIL.
Speaker Clients: TD Canada Trust, Investors Group, The Art Institute of Boston and Royal Ontario Museum.
For info on speaker bookings see: www.motivatorman.com